Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

We have previously reported that spinal cord injury (SCI) after TEVAR for thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a micro embolism due to a vulnerable mural thrombus. Conversely, TEVAR in patients with aortic dissection (AD) develops SCI less frequently because of fewer mural thrombi. To prevent SCI after TEVAR for AD, attention should be paid to preserving blood flow towards the spinal cord, such as collateral circulation and steal phenomenon.